Finn Balor opened Raw, cutting a promo about his victory last week. Bemoaning the fact that all the talk has been about Roman Reigns and Jinder Mahal this week, Balor said that he came out to remind everybody that he was the one who qualified for the Money In The Bank.

Cutting him off, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn told Finn that they had a way for Finn Balor to grab the headlines, suggesting that he put his place in the match up against one of them tonight. While Finn Balor would refuse this suggestion, he would be put into a match with the pair, as Kurt Angle announced that Finn Balor would team with Roman Reigns, against Owens & Zayn.

Discussing the match in the back, Roman Reigns told his partner that everybody would be talking about him again by the end of the show, especially if he sees Jinder Mahal. Vowing to get his revenge the second he saw Jinder, Roman Reigns had to be reminded of to focus on the Main Event by his partner Finn BalorThis was followed by an appearance from Elias, who was interrupted by Bobby Roode as he looked to rile the London crowd. “The Glorious One” would challenge Elias to a match, only to be turned down by “The Drifter”. Elias reminded Roode isn’t Kurt Angle, so he doesn’t make the matches around here. He did however note that if Bobby Roode was Kurt Angle, then he’d beat him to - just like he did when he threw the GM out of the “Greatest Royal Rumble”. Later in the night, Elias would be approached by two of his “fans” Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. Looking for a new leader, the two men offered their services to Elias, who asked them to take care of his “Roode problem”. They did this, issuing a challenge to Bobby Roode for next week.

The Riott Squad bt. Bayley, Ember Moon & Sasha Banks

Winning the match, after a miscommunication between Bayley and Sasha Banks, The Riott Squad celebrated their victory up the ramp. This would allow Bayley and Sasha Banks to once again bicker in the ring. On commentary, the Raw announce team would speak of their exasperation with this long-running rivalry, a sentiment shared by Ember Moon (and much of the WWE Universe). Coming between the two women, Ember Moon would slap both Bayley and Sasha Banks, telling them to cut it out. As the two women looked to justify themselves to Ember, the Raw newcomer spoke for everyone as she told them “nobody cares!”

Bobby Lashley would then make an appearance on Raw, with talk surrounding his interview with Renee Young. The commentators shared some of the reactions to the interview, calling it “bizarre” and “unsettling”.

Cutting a promo before a match with Scott Dawson, Lashley justified the interview by saying that he just wants to connect with the fans. Bobby would add that what the people saw last week was the real Bobby Lashley, and whether they like it or not - he’s going to keep it real.

During his match with Scott Dawson, Bobby Lashley would dominate, with the finishing coming as Dash Wilder intervened. Causing a DQ, The Revival’s attack of Bobby Lashley was short, as Braun Strowman emerged to make the save.

Returning to the second hour of Raw, Braun Strowman approached Raw General Manager Kurt Angle, demanding a match against The Revival (with his partner Bobby Lashley) later tonight. Kurt told Strowman that his card was full, but Strowman assured him “this won’t take long…”

Later in the evening, Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley made quick work of The Revival, with Lashley hitting a Delayed Vertical Suplex for the win.Before that, Seth Rollins once again issued his Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge, calling anybody in the back to face him. Looking for a second crack of the whip, Mojo Rawley came out to the top of the ramp, but was stopped by Zack Ryder. Having taken his opportunity away from him last week, Ryder wanted to take the match this time. As the two men bickered on the ramp, a third man emerged, barging past both men and into the ring. That man was the United Kingdom Champion, Pete Dunne!

[Intercontinental Championship Match]

Putting on a “show stealing” performance, this match went over 15 minutes with Pete Dunne matching Seth Rollins every step of the way. Scoring a number of nearfalls, designed to excite Dunne’s compatriots, the UK Champion almost came away as the new Intercontinental Champion, but was ultimately defeated by “the hottest name on Raw today”. During the match, it was noted that in the last 4 weeks, Seth Rollins has defended the Intercontinental Championship in 8 nations, spanning 4 continents.

After the match, Seth Rollins offered Pete Dunne a handshake, only to have the United Kingdom Championship raise up high in hi*s face. Acknowledging the arrogance of Pete Dunne with a smirk, Seth Rollins celebrated his win in the middle of the ring.

Throughout the night, there were several incidents which would have an effect on the Main Event, the first of which came in the next match. Having defeated Goldust in a fairly one-sided affair, Jinder Mahal’s chickens came home to roost, as Roman Reigns backed up his promise to get his hands on “The Modern Day Maharaja” the next time he saw him.

While Reigns was able to get some offence in on Jinder Mahal, Sunil Singh sacrificed himself for his leader. This allowed Jinder to escape. Later in the evening, Jinder Mahal was seen leaving the medical room, only to be spotted by Roman Reigns. Now on his own, Jinder Mahal was forced to flee to the parking lot, as Roman Reigns pursued him.

The other competitors in the Main Event were also busy, as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn looked to convince Finn Balor that Roman Reigns could not be trust. While Finn wouldn’t defend his partner, he did make it clear that he wasn’t interested in forming any kind of alliance with the two men he would go on to face in the Main Event.Money in The Bank Qualification was also on the agenda for Mickie James and Natalya, and Ronda Rousey joined her friend in ensuring a fair match. While both Ronda Rousey and Alexa Bliss were seen at ringside initially, Ronda Rousey made the suggestion that both women leave the competitors to it. Confident, Mickie James agreed to the suggestion, only to call for Alexa’s help later on. However, Alexa was nowhere to be seen, and Mickie James would tap out to Natalya. The commentators would later explain that Alexa Bliss did try and get involved in the match, but was stopped at the curtain by Ronda Rousey.

Footage of the two women in the back was shown, with Ronda Rousey standing with her arms folded. This ensured that Natalya was able to defeat Mickie James, taking her place in the Money In The Bank Ladder Match.Elsewhere, The DELETERS of Worlds spoke about the Tag Team Division, as it appeared a new rivalry began to brew. Seen in a “selfie style” promo from Titus O’Neil, Titus Worldwide’s party was crashed by Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler. Later in the night, ahead of Baron Corbin’s match with Apollo Crews, the Titus Worldwide member was forced to come to the ring alone, having been preparing for his match alone at the time of the attack, With Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler as prime suspects, Apollo Crews will have to pick himself up from his defeat to BAron Corbin, as he no doubt looks for revenge on the duo.

Looking like a fairly even contest throughout the match, the Main Event would have many threads throughout by the time the opening bell sounded. Making a last ditch attempt to convince Finn, Owens & Zayn once again called Roman Reigns a bad partner. While during the match Finn Balor and Roman Reigns worked well together, it was an incident that resulted in the finish of the match which will be the major talking point of this week’s show. Having previously been believed to have left the building, Jinder Mahal returned to the top of the ramp, distracting Roman Reigns.

Even though his partner wasn’t yet in a dire position, Roman Reigns’ next actions were correctly questioned on commentary. Abandoning Finn Balor completely, the rage-blind Roman Reigns ran up the ramp, chasing Jinder Mahal once more. Running away, Roman Reigns left Finn Balor all alone to face Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Up against two of Raw’s top stars, Finn Balor stood no chance, and was defeated by Kevin Owens following a Pop-Up Powerbomb, which had been preceded by a Helluva Kick.

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn bt. Finn Balor & Roman Reigns

Not content with their victory, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn couldn’t help but tell Finn “we told you so”, after the bell. In their defence, Roman Reigns was nowhere to be seen, as Finn Balor came round following the two-on-one handicap that the Main Event came. Clearly frustrated that the rivalry between Jinder Mahal and Roman Reigns had cost him, a dejected Finn Balor sat in the middle of the ring as Raw went off the air.

After a look back at the close of last week’s show, Roman Reigns opened up Raw, calling out Jinder Mahal. Looking to deal with “unfinished business”, Roman Reigns was instead joined in the ring by Finn Balor.

Confronting Roman Reigns, Finn Balor questioned the loyalty of “The Big Dog”, after he abandoned him during last week’s Main Event. Having vowed to get his hands on Jinder Mahal, Reigns’ determination to be a man of his word cost the pair against Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. Jinder Mahal would then interrupt, coming to the bottom of the ramp to tell Reigns to move on.

He then stated his intention to take a place in the Money In The Bank Ladder Match. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens also made their way out, entering the ring to state their own intentions to have a “second chance” at Money In The Bank qualification.

With things becoming more and more unclear in the ring, Kurt Angle decided to solve the issues, making a “second chance” match between Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn for later in the night. Justifiably angry, Jinder Mahal was told that he would also be in action, up next against Finn Balor.

Struggling to keep up with the first ever “Universal Champion”, the former WWE Champion resorted to underhanded tactics from very early in the match. When these didn’t work, the aggressive Jinder Mahal was happy to get himself Disqualified, if it meant sending a message to Kurt Angle.

Finn Balor bt. Jinder Mahal via DQ

After the bell, the attack continued, with Jinder Mahal throwing Finn Balor into the Ring Post. The commentators noted that the assault was targeting the previously injured shoulder of Finn Balor, but Mahal refused to let up until Kurt Angle acknowledged him. To this end, the attack was successful, as Kurt Angle appeared to call for Mahal to stop.

Setting up Finn Balor for a Khallas onto the Steel Steps, Jinder Mahal demanded that he be added to the qualifying match in the Main Event. With little choice, Kurt Angle agreed to the request. Once Finn Balor was released from the hold, Kurt Angle added that should Jinder Mahal lose tonight, he will be barred from entering the building at Money In The Bank.

The next match of the evening saw Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel’s challenge to Bobby Roode accepted. Expecting to be facing Roode alone, Dallas & Axel were surprised to see their foe Seth Rollins by the side of “The Glorious One”.

Making jibes at Elias, who encouraged Dallas & Axel to make the challenge, Seth Rollins joked about him being the only guy he wants to hear from less than The Miz. When the match got underway, it was fairly academic for the two former NXT Champions, who made quick work of Dallas & Axel.Making their way out to the ring next, The Riott Squad had their sights set on Money In The Bank Qualifications, citing their victory over Bayley, Ember Moon and Sasha Banks as the reason they each deserve a spot. However, when it came down to it, The Riott Squad were unable to use their numbers advantage effectively, and Bayley pinned Sarah Logan to earn her spot in the Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

Later in the evening, when Ruby Riott went one on one with Nia Jax, the Raw Women’s Champion would be the victim of The Riott Squad’s kickback, as they laid a three-on-one beatdown on the Champion.

Heading to the Locker Room after the attack, Nia Jax questioned the roster’s lack of response. While Sasha Banks told Nia Jax that she is big enough to fight her own battles, Ember Moon agreed with Nia Jax, saying that if they’re going to overcome The Riott Squad, they need to work together.Elsewhere in the Women’s Division, Alexa Bliss and Mickie James looked to get under the skin of Ronda Rousey, calling her “Robotic” having earlier promised to show her what a “real Raw Superstar” looks like.

After allowing the jokes to go on for a few minutes, Ronda Rousey confronted Alexa Bliss and Mickie James, telling them that she doesn’t care about Alexa Bliss and Mickie James trying to make people laugh, saying that isn’t why she came to the WWE.

Quoting Kurt Angle, Ronda said that on Monday Night Raw “we get it done in the ring”, challenging Mickie James to face her at Money In The Bank. Flat out refusing, Mickie James rejected the challenge, and looked to get as far away from Ronda as she possibly could.

Coming back, the Raw Tag Team Champions were in action, handily defeating Slater & Rhyno. It was what happened after the bell which will have more people talking, as The Authors of Pain appeared to confront the Champions.

On commentary it was suggested that going for The DELETERS of World this early in their WWE Raw careers may be a bridge too far, and when Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt indicated a willingness to engage with Akam and Rezar, the two men showed - for the first time on Raw - signs of uncertainty. Eventually backing away, The Authors of Pain were annoyed to have been bested by the Raw Tag Team Champions.

Coming about due to an interview from Jinder Mahal earlier in the night, Sunil Singh may have learned a lesson before the match even began. Having found himself pumped up by his leader’s vow to win the Main Event, Sunil Singh promised to take out anybody who stands between Jinder Mahal and the Money In The Bank Briefcase. This couldn’t have been said at a worst time, as Braun Strowman was passing by. As a result of Jinder’s actions earlier, Kurt Angle was happy to make the match, which would see Sunil Singh completely annihilated by Braun Strowman.

Braun Strowman bt. Sunil Singh

Continuing after the match, Jinder Mahal did not repay Sunil’s devotion, being nowhere to be seen as Braun Strowman continued to destroy Singh. While Jinder Mahal looked only for self-preservation, the state of Sunil Singh firmly ruled him out of any involvement in the Main Event. This was confirmed later in the evening, as Jinder Mahal’s attempt to drag Sunil with him, resulted in Singh collapsing in the back.

Confronting Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler earlier in the night, Apollo Crews accused the two men of being behind the attacks on his Titus Worldwide teammates last week. Straight up admitting to the attack, Drew McIntyre was all too happy to go one on one with Apollo Crews. Backing up his confidence, McIntyre left Apollo Crews down in the ring once again, something that no doubt pleased an observing Baron Corbin.As well as the Main Event, another Money In The Back Qualifier took place on the show, with Bobby Lashley going one on one with Elias.

Looking to cheat while using his Guitar, Elias found that his plan backfired, as he lost to Bobby Lashley. Before the match, footage was shown from the Raw After WrestleMania, where Bobby Lashley returned to take out Elias.

With all of the Superstars, Jinder Mahal aside, competing in their “second chance” matches, it was made clear that there will be no more opportunities for the men who are unsuccessful in the contest. Such was the desperation for one of them to get a spot in the match, earlier in the night, Sami Zayn told his partner that he has willing to do anything - including lay down for Kevin Owens - to ensure they become the first joint Mr. Money In The Bank, and take the Universal Championship. At no point in the match did it come to this, and the ending was far from one man laying down for another. In fact, the finish of the match came when Roman Reigns was brawling with Kevin Owens. Spotting Jinder Mahal out of the corner of his eye, Reigns - who was stood on the apron - jumped down on Mahal, taking him out with a Flying Clothesline. Distracted, Kevin Owens would watch on happily, as Roman Reigns hit Mahal with a Superman Punch, followed by a Spear which put both men through the guardrail. Landing badly, both men involved in the Spear appeared to be seriously hurt, with even Kevin Owens, who had previously been happy to watch them destroy each other, shocked by the impact of the move.

Having been taken out earlier, hit with a Khallas on the ramp by Jinder Mahal, Sami Zayn would shock the commentators, as he reemerged in the ring behind Kevin Owens. Previously watching with his arms rested on the ropes, Kevin Owens did not have time to plan his next move, as he turned back towards the ring, and straight into an opportunistic Helluva Kick from Sami Zayn. Putting Owens down in the middle of the ring, Sami Zayn will steal a victory, and a place in the Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

Sami Zayn bt. Kevin Owens, Jinder Mahal & Roman Reigns

Done what they had set out to do, Sami Zayn celebrate his victory, as the three other competitors laid out around the ringside area. Unaware of what had happened, Kevin Owens eventually realised that the man smiling in front of him is the same man who just hit him with a Helluva Kick. Sami Zayn looked to celebrate with his best friend, saying “we did it!” and seemed confused when Kevin Owens didn’t share his enthusiasm for the result. Returning to his feet, Kevin Owens held his jaw, clearly still processing the Main Event. Sami Zayn pointed to the Briefcase hanging high above the ring, shouting “Kevin… we’re going to Money In The Bank!”. However, only one of them will compete in the Ladder Match, with Kevin Owens eventually deciding to leave the ring, rather than risk acting in a way which could further compromise his friendship with Sami Zayn.

Raw went off the air with Sami Zayn looking towards the departing Kevin Owens, unsure what his problem is, before the cameras panned to the pile of rubble at ringside. Now surrounded by a large medical team, Jinder Mahal and Roman Reigns were checked on, with the commentators confirming that both men were to be taken to a local medical facility for further assessment.

Looking for revenge at the top of the show, Roman Reigns called out Jinder Mahal, unhappy that going through the guardrail cut him short last week.

Instead, Sunil Singh came to the ring, telling Roman Reigns that Jinder Mahal was not in the building. Kurt Angle would join them in the ring, demanding that Sunil makes sure that Jinder is here tonight. As Jinder wasn’t there at the moment, Kurt Angle told Roman Reigns that if he was looking for a fight, then he has a match with Sunil Singh!

Making quick work of Jinder Mahal’s sidekick, Roman Reigns discarded Singh from the ring. He then stated his belief that Mahal was indeed in the building, and promised to search every inch of the Richmond Coliseum to find him. Later in the night, Roman Reigns was confronted by Finn Balor, who told him that he had a match with Jinder Mahal, and asked “The Big Dog” to keep out of his business.Prior to Roman Reigns’ entrance of Raw, a cold opening saw Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in the Locker Room. Appearing to have been at each other’s throats, Zayn tried to calm his partner down, saying that if he could, he would give Owens his shot in the Money In The Bank.

This led to Kevin Owens approaching Kurt Angle, asking that the opportunity be passed on to him. Zayn claimed he would love for that to happen, but unfortunately it can’t be done. Not a fan of either man, Kurt Angle said that he was happy for Owens to take Zayn’s place, leaving Sami in an awkward position. Backtracking from his earlier statement, Zayn told Owens that he couldn’t give him his spot “because… the rules”. Despite this, Sami Zayn still wanted Kevin Owens to have his back later in the night, which KO reluctantly agreed to.Having targeted Titus Worldwide as a prime example of what they feel is wrong with the WWE, Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler cut a promo on the group, highlighting these feelings before they defeated the team of No Way Jose & Titus O’Neil. After the match, when Apollo Crews checked on his partners, Drew and Dolph asked him what he is doing with Titus Worldwide. Before Crews could react, Dana Brooke pulled him away from the situation, not fancying Crews’ chances against the ruthless duo.

Later in the night, when speaking out against the attack, Apollo Crews was attacked by Baron Corbin. Seemingly shocked into silence, Dana Brooke did nothing, as “The Lone Wolf” took Apollo Crews out. Reacting to this later, Chad Gable talked to Kurt Angle about the chaos that has descended over Raw, requesting a match with Corbin next week.Closing the first hour of Raw, Elias went one on one with Bobby Roode, in the deciding match in their series. Elias would win the match in a decisive manner, leaving a disappointed Roode to reflect on his defeat.

Leaving the ring, Elias was questioned on his victory, telling Renee Young that “The Drifter’s work is never done...” What Elias meant by this would become clearer, later in the night.Returning to the show, Kurt Angle was approached in his office by Alexa Bliss. She complained about her match later in the night, due to two of the competitors in it being on their second chances to enter the Money In The Bank. Kurt Angle offered Alexa the option to pull out of the match, and instead face Ronda Rousey at Money In The Bank. This technique successfully shot Alexa down, and she would go on to defeat Sasha Banks and Ruby Riott later in the night, earning her opportunity to win the Money In The Bank.

Before that match, Ronda Rousey called out both Mickie James and Alexa Bliss, but the two women had no interest in engaging her. Mickie James even refused to come to the ring, meaning that Ronda had ensured no support for Alexa, during her match, much to Bliss’ annoyance.Another match which took place between the Female Superstars of Raw saw Nia Jax get her first measure of revenge against The Riott Squad. Having confronted her fellow Raw Superstars last week, Nia Jax was joined at ringside by Ember Moon, and went on to defeat Sarah Logan.

After the match, Moon made it clear that she had eyes for the Raw Women’s Championship. Later in the evening, high spirits between Bayley, Ember and Nia in the Locker Room resulted in an awkward moment as the downbeat Sasha Banks entered the room. Having lost both of her opportunities to compete in the Money In The Bank, Sasha was left to feel an outsider as she approached the trio.Making an appearance to issue another Open Challenge, Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins spoke about the month that he has had.

Having defended his Championship all over the world, Seth Rollins said that he has truly put the Intercontinental back into the Championship. He then quipped that maybe that’s where Brock Lesnar has been, defending his Championship throughout the Universe. Officially issuing the challenge, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel both appeared ready to face the Intercontinental Champion.

When Seth Rollins said that he would be happy to face both men, Dallas & Axel made it clear that they weren’t interested in taking the challenge, instead jumping Seth Rollins. The pair were unsuccessful in their attempt to take down Seth Rollins, but caused enough of a distraction that Seth was caught off guard as Elias entered the ring.

Grabbing the Champion from behind, Elias smashed a Guitar over Seth Rollins’ head, taking him out completely. Elias then stood over the Intercontinental Champion, with some suggestion that he may be interested in Seth Rollins’ title.Another story developing on the show was a new case for “Breezango”. Opening up the fashion files once more, the Raw newcomers were investigating the case of the Authors of Pain. Throughout extensive research (Fandango searching Amazon), it came to their attention that The “Authors” of Pain had not written a single book. Vowing to crack the case, Breezango were joined in their “crime lab” by The DELETERS of Worlds.

Apparently teleporting into this realm, Matt and Bray wished Breezango luck on their voyage of enlightenment, encouraging them ahead of a match with Akam & Rezar. Despite this, The Authors of Pain would go on to handedly defeat Breezango, within just a few minutes.

Despite Finn Balor’s request earlier in the night, Roman Reigns refused to stay out of his business, confronting Jinder Mahal during his entrance.

Frustrated by this, Finn Balor left the ring, running to confront Roman Reigns. As the two argued on the ramp, Jinder Mahal was able to take advantage, hitting Finn Balor with a Khallas to the Steel Ramp. Quickly, medical personnel (and security) came to the top of the ramp, ensuring that there could be no more action outside of the ring. Agreeing to leave, Roman Reigns’ involvement had clearly put Finn Balor at a huge disadvantage, and while he was eventually allowed to start the match, the pre-match damage was too much. Scoring a victory, largely aided by that cowardly act, the second Khallas of the night secured the win for Jinder Mahal.

Jinder Mahal bt. Finn Balor

Not happy with just the victory, Jinder Mahal looked to hit another Khallas on Finn Balor after the bell. Dragging him back to his feet, Jinder Mahal was unable to hit the move again, instead finding himself on the end of an Overhead Kick from Finn Balor. Looking to regain credibility after the defeat, Finn Balor rallied, and eventually had Jinder Mahal set up for a Slingblade. It was at this point that Roman Reigns sprinted back down to the ring. Hitting “The Modern Day Maharaja” with a Spear, Roman Reigns got his revenge, albeit while upstaging Finn Balor. As Roman Reigns stood tall on the second rope, it was clear that Finn Balor was furious with “The Big Dog”.

Coming back for the final hour of Raw, Roman Reigns was confronted by Kurt Angle, who accused him of being just as bad as Jinder and calling him “out of control”.

Kurt told Reigns that if he isn’t careful then he will join Jinder Mahal in being barred from the building at Money In The Bank.

Prior to the match kicking off, Kevin Owens’ presence at ringside was counterbalanced by the emergence of Braun Strowman.

Both qualified for the Money In The Bank, along with Sami Zayn, Braun Strowman told Bobby Lashley that he had his back. This proved to be true, as he thwarted the attempts of Kevin Owens to get involved in emphatic fashion. As a result, Bobby Lashley was able to overpower Sami Zayn, picking up the victory following a Delayed Vertical Suplex.

Bobby Lashley bt. Sami Zayn

Standing tall in the middle of the ring, Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley both looked up to the “Money In The Bank” Briefcase hanging high above the ring. Competing against Finn Balor, Sami Zayn and the Smackdown representatives, the two men in the ring were put over as the favourites to take home the Briefcase in three weeks time.

The opening of Raw saw Seth Rollins make his way to the ring, calling out Elias for the attack on him last week. Instead of being joined by “The Drifter”, Seth Rollins was confronted by Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel - who appear to be doing the bidding of Elias.

Seth Rollins told Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel that they were more suited to getting their asses kicked by “J & J Security”, but also that he was more than happy to face both of them. Dallas and Axel fancied their chances in a handicap match. Rollins then said that he had been permission to issue an open challenge tonight, but if Dallas & Axel wanted to face him, then the match was on.

Seth Rollins was able to defeat the pair, albeit by DQ when Elias jumped the rallying Intercontinental Champion.

Bringing his guitar into the ring, Elias played over the downed Seth Rollins, making it clear that he is interested in the Intercontinental Championship.Having challenged Baron Corbin to a match this week, Chad Gable looked to take the fight to “The Lone Wolf”. While he was fired up, looking to bring Corbin to justice for his recent behaviour, Gable was unable to defeat Corbin. The finish came from nowhere, as Baron Corbin reversed an athletic move from Gable to hit the End of Days.

In the fallout of that match, Apollo Crews came out to confront Baron Corbin, who attacked him last week. Before the two men could get into it, Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler came out to the top of the ramp, telling Apollo that he didn’t get hurt last week because of Baron Corbin, but because of Titus Worldwide.

They then told Apollo it was time for him to look in the mirror and ask himself whether he cares more about being a “nice guy” or whether he wants to be a winner.Before that, seemingly having had a change of heart, Sasha Banks approached Nia Jax, offering her help against The Riott Squad tonight. Nia Jax was forced to decline the offer, having already agreed to team with Bayley and Ember Moon. The decision paid dividends, as Bayley, Ember Moon and Nia Jax defeated The Riott Squad.

After the match, Ember Moon made it clear that with Money In The Bank coming in just under two weeks time, her eyes are on the Women’s Championship.Elsewhere, Breezango brought their best men into the “Authors of What?” case, informing The Ascension that they didn’t have “go by the book” in their investigation of The Authors of Pain tonight. Looking to beat answers out of The A.O.P, The Ascension didn’t get very far, as they were destroyed by The Authors of Pain.

Coming to the ring after the match, Breezango claimed to have made a breakthrough in the case, and confronted The A.O.P. This turned out to be a poor decision, as Akam & Rezar simply laid them out in the ring, shaking their heads at the shenanigans of the two teams who lay out on the mat. Later in the evening, The DELETERS of World offered their support to Breezango, saying that a match between the two teams next week would be perfect for them to transmit their energies and help with the case.Scoring an impressive victory over Dana Brooke, it soon became clear that Mickie James still had reservation about facing Ronda Rousey, as she was ran off by the woman who has challenged her for Money In The Bank. Despite an arrogant promo before the match, where she had mocked Rousey, Alexa Bliss also wanted no part of the former MMA Champion.

Instead, Ronda Rousey would address the audience, with footage showing her recent issues with Alexa Bliss and Mickie James. Rousey said that the two women have vowed to show her what a “Real Raw Superstar” looks like, but all she had seen is a pair of cowards. Rousey would then announce that at Money In The Bank, she will share the ring with Mickie James, vowing to “humble” the veteran and prove that she does belong on the Raw roster.Continuing the issues of recent weeks, Finn Balor spoke to Kurt Angle early in the evening, sharing his feelings about Roman Reigns’ recent actions.

Tired of Roman Reigns overshadowing him, Finn Balor requested a match with Reigns. Instead, Finn Balor was told that he would be in a match with Reigns tonight, as a team. Angle told Finn that their real issue isn’t with each other, but with Jinder Mahal. As a result, they would team up against Jinder and Sunil Singh later in the evening. Approaching Roman later in the night, Balor told “The Big Dog” that while they might not like each other, a victory tonight would get them both what they want.

However, when it came around time for that match, Jinder Mahal informed Kurt Angle that Sunil Singh was not fit to compete, requesting the cancellation of the contest. Instead, Angle told Mahal that he would have to find a new partner - in a very short space of time - otherwise he would be allocated one by the General Manager himself. When it came to bell time, Jinder Mahal had yet to find himself a tag team partner. As promised, Kurt Angle had someone on standby, introducing Jinder Mahal to his partner…

Even before the bell, it was clear that Jinder Mahal was disgusted by his General Manager’s choice of partner. Annoying Jinder with his happy-go-lucky outlook, Curt Hawkins’ insistence that the streak would come to an end tonight further frustrated “The Modern Day Maharaja”. Standing no chance from the opening bell, Jinder Mahal eventually lost his patience with Curt Hawkins. Leaving the apron and backing up the ramp, the cocky Hawkins was left for Finn Balor and Roman Reigns to deal with.

When Finn Balor hit a front dropkick to Curt Hawkins, he looked to set up for a Double Footstomp. However, as he stood on the top rope, Roman Reigns tagged himself in, hitting Curt Hawkins with a Spear as he returned to his feet.

Finn Balor & Roman Reigns bt. Curt Hawkins & Jinder Mahal

After the match, having been once again upstaged, Finn Balor looked furious as he sat on the top turnbuckle. Roman Reigns stood tall, with a smirk that made it obvious that he knew exactly what he was doing.

Remaining at the top of the ramp, Jinder Mahal began to cut a promo on Roman Reigns. Jinder Mahal spoke about being banned from Money In The Bank, and vowed that next week he would ensure that Reigns won’t be able to make it to the Pay-Per-View either. It was at this point that Kurt Angle joined Jinder on the top of the ramp, informing him that his ban from Money In The Bank was lifted. Delighted by this, Jinder’s face soon dropped when he was informed that at the show, he would be going one on one with Roman Reigns.

Celebrating this announcement in the ring, Roman Reigns looked delighted, until he turned into a Swingblade from Finn Balor. Dropping “The Big Dog” in the middle of the ring, Finn Balor aggressively shouted towards Reigns on the canvas, telling him “don’t take your eye off Finn Balor!”

And that wasn’t the end of the issues between Roman Reigns and Finn Balor on the evening, as Balor declared that he was tired of being overlooked in favour of Roman Reigns. This led to a backstage confrontation later in the evening, that saw Finn Balor and Roman Reigns almost come to blows.

When they were eventually pulled apart by a large group of backstage workers, Kurt Angle came between them, telling them that if they’re going to cause chaos, they can do it in the ring - next week - in a one on one match!Returning to in-ring action, it was time for another match, this time between Bobby Roode and Mojo Rawley. Before the match, as Bobby Roode tried to get something off his chest (in regards to his defeat to Elias last week), he was cut off by a hyped up Mojo Rawley, who told Roode he was “killing the crowd” and boring him to tears. This riled Roode up, and may have been the decisive factor in Mojo losing the match between the two.Reacting to the words of Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre earlier in the evening, Titus Worldwide spoke backstage about “getting serious”. Titus O’Neil said that if those two think that Apollo Crews is too good for Titus Worldwide, then how about they prove them wrong. Titus then challenged Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre to team with Baron Corbin, to go up against the team of Apollo Crews, No Way Jose and Titus O’Neil at Money In The Bank. Later in the night, when Titus O’Neil and No Way Jose were defeated by The Revival, Apollo Crews struggled to mask his disappointment, as Titus Worldwide suffered yet another loss.Hyped throughout the night, the scheduled Main Event of Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens - in a No Disqualifications match - was given a last minute change. Having gone back on his promise last week, where he told Kevin Owens he would happily hand over his spot in the Money In The Bank ladder match, Sami Zayn was made to pay for his actions.

Just moments before going out to the ring, Kevin Owens told Zayn that despite him changing his mind about letting Owens replace him, Owens didn’t hold it against him. In fact, Owens said that he is willing to do what Sami wouldn’t, and that’s give him his spot in tonight’s match. Sami Zayn laughed at this, but Kevin wasn’t laughing. Zayn said that he couldn’t be serious, but Owens added that he had cleared it with Kurt, and the new Main Event was Braun Strowman vs. Sami Zayn.

Returning the favour of last week, Bobby Lashley stood in the corner of Braun Strowman for the Main Event of Raw, but it quickly became apparent his input wasn’t required. Despite the No DQ nature of the match, Kevin Owens remained completely detached from it, watching vacantly, even as Braun Strowman began to bring weapons into play. Watching on as his “best friend” was thrown from pillow to post, Kevin Owens’ actions were questioned by the commentators, who suggested that missing out on the Money In The Bank has hit the former Universal Champion hard. Hitting harder was Braun Strowman, and eventually he was able to score the victory, nailing Sami Zayn with a Running Powerslam through a table.

Braun Strowman bt. Sami Zayn

Following the match, Braun Strowman celebrated with Bobby Lashley at his side. When the two men left the ring, Kevin Owens climbed the steps and leant against the ropes on the outside of the ring. As Sami Zayn pulled himself out of the rubble of the Table, he looked up to Kevin Owens, who had offered nothing throughout the match. Staring blankly at his best friend, Kevin Owens offered zero support or sympathy to the suffering Sami Zayn. Giving dead eyes to Sami Zayn, it seemed clear that the chasm between the two has become much deeper than previously thought.

This looks great so far brother. How are you going to do this long term, with Smackdown! Live running alongside it? I mean, when you do the next 'Superstar Shake Up', who will come across?! Will it be as exciting if Smackdown doesn't happen?

Also, co-branded events like the Royal Rumble for instance? How will you do that?! Will the rumble match have JUST Raw guys in it?!

This looks great so far brother. How are you going to do this long term, with Smackdown! Live running alongside it? I mean, when you do the next 'Superstar Shake Up', who will come across?! Will it be as exciting if Smackdown doesn't happen?

Also, co-branded events like the Royal Rumble for instance? How will you do that?! Will the rumble match have JUST Raw guys in it?!

Thanks. My brother is booking Smackdown, and I will be doing short monthly catch ups ahead of pay-per-view of "this month on Smackdown". As a result, there should be a chance to keep up with Smackdown. We are looking to slowly develop the two brands into very different "products" and hopefully that eventually comes across. A key is to keep my write ups short, as my brother and I's games usually run for a few years in game and I would like to be able to share our gameworld a few years in the future.

When someone moves to Raw from Smackdown, NXT or elsewhere, I will look to do a write up, and hopefully that will bring people up to speed on the new faces, without being completely out of the picture of what they've been up to since the start of the game.

I like these types of graphics, minimal but effective in scrolling through the story... but one minor nitpick (since it involves my personal favorite guy)... your Drew McIntyre graphic is accidentally spelled "McIntrye"

I like these types of graphics, minimal but effective in scrolling through the story... but one minor nitpick (since it involves my personal favorite guy)... your Drew McIntyre graphic is accidentally spelled "McIntrye"

Going into the show, all the talk throughout the week had been about the huge Main Event between Finn Balor and Roman Reigns, just 6 days before Money In The Bank.

Having felt overshadowed by Roman Reigns recently, Finn Balor last week snapped, hitting Roman Reigns with a Slingblade following a successful tag team victory for the pair. Resulting in a heated backstage brawl, the Main Event was made by General Manager Kurt Angle. In the opening of the show, the two men spoke in “pre-recorded” promos, hyping up the Main Event of Raw.Coming down to the ring, Kurt Angle would continue to talk about Balor / Reigns tonight, informing Jinder Mahal that he would be barred from ringside for that match tonight. Angered by this, Jinder Mahal would make his way to the ring.

Announcing that Sunil Singh is still injured, Jinder Mahal questioned why he was the one being punished and not “those thugs” Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns, who took Singh out in back to back weeks. Kurt Angle would explain that Sunil only had himself to blame, but agreed that something should be done. Mahal agreed with Angle, until he was informed that the action being taken was already in motion, and would take the form of a one on one match between Braun Strowman… and Jinder Mahal. Braun Strowman would then come to the ring, telling his opponent that he’s more than ready for the “punishment” that Jinder has in store for him.

Caught completely off-guard, Jinder Mahal struggled from the very moment that this match began. Eventually giving up on making any headway in the match, against the dominant Braun Strowman, Jinder Mahal looked for the exit, leaving the ring. Catching up with Jinder on the ramp, Braun Strowman made the “Modern Day Maharaja” pay for his decision, taking his unique brand of physicality to the outside of the ring. Eventually returning between the ropes, Braun Strowman defeated Jinder Mahal with a Running Powerslam. On commentary, it was put over that Jinder Mahal’s cowardice had cost him, suggesting that a vastly different approach will be required for his match with Roman Reigns at Money In The Bank.

Braun Strowman bt. Jinder Mahal

Switching gears quite dramatically, The Deleters of Worlds cut a promo on Breezango, talking about the current “Fashion Files” case and their attempts to help the investigation. This was followed by a “Previously on The Fashion Files” package, where viewers were reminded of the current case.

While Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt defeated Breezango, both teams were met with the threat of The Authors of Pain after the bell.

Looking to target Breezango on the ramp, Akam & Rezar were left frustrated as the Raw Tag Team Champions backed up Breeze and Fandango on the outside. Once again forced to back down, The Authors of Pain’s honeymoon period appeared to be well and truly over.Sasha Banks would then take on the challenge of Ruby Riott and The Riott Squad, having been left out of Nia’s charge against them last week.

The Riott Squad ran Banks down before the match, telling “The Boss” that nobody likes her. Whether this was true or not, Riott would go on to defeat Sasha, who was left to fight off the involvement of Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan alone. Sat in the ring on her own, Banks was left to reflect on the actions which led her to this point. Later in the evening, she would approach Nia Jax, questioning the supposed camaraderie between the Women’s Locker Room. The Raw Womens Champion told Sasha Banks straight that if she doesn’t have their back, then she can’t expect the rest of the roster to have her’s.Opening the second hour of the show with a Seth Rollins based performance, Elias was cut off by the furious Intercontinental Champion, who ran “The Drifter” out of the ring. Running down Elias’ time wasting, ear bleeding performances, Seth Rollins said that the people were here for action, and as Intercontinental Champion he can give them that. Rollins then issued an Open Challenge, which was accepted by Bobby Roode.

Seth Rollins (c) vs. Bobby Roode

Giving Seth Rollins a competitive match, this time was used to talk about Bobby Roode’s mixed fortunes in recent weeks, particularly with one of Seth’s rivals Elias. Having teamed together weeks ago, the two men showed a great deal of respect to each other throughout the match, and they both came close to victory on a number on occasions. Going on for over 15 minutes (including commercial breaks), the match put over the endurance of both competitors, and took a lot out of them. Eventually, following a back and forth sequence at the end of the match, Seth Rollins was able to hit a Curb Stomp, securing the successful title defence.

Seth Rollins bt. Bobby Roode

Later, Seth Rollins would approached Kurt Angle, fired up from his match with Bobby Roode. Demanding a match at Money In The Bank, Seth Rollins told Kurt Angle that he wanted to defend the Intercontinental Championship, and he wanted a match with Elias. Kurt Angle praised Seth Rollins’ recent performances, and made the match.

Back in the ring, Sami Zayn talked about his involvement in the Money In The Bank, as well as Kevin Owens’ actions last week. Calling his best friend out, Zayn wanted to clear the air between the two men in a public forum.

Sami Zayn reminded Kevin Owens that they went into the Pay-Per-View with a plan, and right now it is still on course. Zayn will ask Owens if they are still doing this together, because if they are, he needs to know that KO will have his back on Sunday. Kevin Owens looked detached once again, and Sami Zayn pleaded with him to look at the big picture. As it appeared that Owens was ready to answer, he was cut off by Lashley.

Bobby Lashley told the two that their little argument could wait until after Money In The Bank, because whether it was Owens, Zayn or both of them, there is no chance that they win the match this Sunday. Sami Zayn would fire back, but Lashley would make it clear that he is gunning for the Briefcase and there was nothing KO & Sami could do about it. Owens said that while that might be true, there is something they can do right now. This led to a two-on-one attack, with the pair looking to take Sami’s opponent out quickly. As the attack went on, Braun Strowman made another appearance.

Storming down to the ring, Braun Strowman was quickly able to pick the two men off, removing them from the ring with ease. Strowman would then help Bobby Lashley to his feet, with the commentators putting over that all month it has come down to the two of them standing face to face, making it clear that the two biggest competitors in the match were also the favourites for victory.Just 6 days before Money In The Bank, Titus O’Neil faced Dolph Ziggler, ahead of Titus Worldwide’s six man tag team match at the Pay-Per-View. Throughout the night, there was no sighting of Apollo Crews or Dana Brooke, leading to concern from No Way Jose and Titus O’Neil. This would affect Titus during his match, and he would go down to Dolph Ziggler. After the match, Baron Corbin came down to the ring, joining Drew Galloway and Dolph Ziggler in attacking the two remaining members of Titus Worldwide.At the top of the final hour, Nia Jax would make her way to the ring, with the Female “Money In The Bank” Briefcase hanging above the ring. One by one, the competitors in the Money In The Bank made their entrances, joining the woman who’s title they wish to take.

While not in the match, Mickie James also had some comments for the Raw Womens Champion, but she was quickly shot down. Arguing in the ring, the women involved in the match were all given the chance to stake their claims, desperate for the huge opportunity which awaits them. When Alexa Bliss and Mickie James began to command the floor, they took shots at Ronda Rousey, who Alexa Bliss said wasn’t a “real enough competitors” to take part in a Ladder Match. This of course drew Rousey out, and Alexa and Mickie looked for cover behind their fellow Superstar.

Unsurprisingly, the women parted, leaving Ronda Rousey to go face to face with Mickie James. Calling the two women cowards, Rousey told Mickie that she isn’t going to do anything to her right now, because she doesn’t need to. Instead, the WWE Universe will get to see her get physical with Mickie James - this Sunday at Money In The Bank. Leaving the ring as she came, Ronda Rousey had made her message to Mickie loud and clear.

Alexa & Mickie would then have to switch their focus to a match with Bayley & Ember Moon, a Tag Team match which they would win by questionable tactics. Celebrating arrogantly in the ring, Alexa Bliss & Mickie James wrongly believed they were out of the firing line. Returning to the ring, Ronda Rousey made a beeline for Mickie James. Alexa Bliss spotted this, and got out of the way, leaving Mickie James to be put in the Armbar by Ronda Rousey. While Rousey had Mickie James exactly where she wanted her, she stopped short of breaking the arm, telling her rival that she will finish the job at Money In The Bank.The Revival then scored another victory, as they continue to rebuild momentum in the Tag Team Division. Scoring a victory over The Ascension, Dash & Dawson ran down the teams who are trying to “turn this division into a joke”, saying that they’re gunning for the Raw Tag Team Championships!

Heavily promoted throughout the night, this Main Event match was given a long amount of time for the competitors to take themselves to their physical limits. Before the match, Kurt Angle had reminded Jinder Mahal not to get involved, and “The Modern Day Maharaja” was all too happy to wait for Money In The Bank to get his hands on Roman Reigns. However, there was some involvement in the Main Event, as Sunil Singh made an appearance - despite claims he was unable to be at the show due to injury. Looking to ruin the Main Event, at a time when it appeared to be reaching it’s crescendo, Sunhil Singh came between the two competitors as they looked to return to their feet.

Reaching his feet first, Finn Balor seemed set to make the first move. Instead, he was held back by the referee, who asked him to hold on while he dealt with Singh. While Sunil didn’t lay a hand on Roman Reigns, he did approach him, only to be hit with a Uppercut. Tired of waiting, Finn Balor approached Reigns and Sunil, but was held back again by the referee. It was as Finn Balor began to lose his temper that Roman Reigns literally threw Sunil Singh across the ring. It was due to his heated discussion with the referee that Finn Balor failed to spot this action, with Singh crashing into him, knocking him to the ground. Sunil Singh would then roll out of the ring, allowing Roman Reigns to focus back on Finn Balor. With Singh’s involvement having backfired, Finn Balor was prone. Hitting him with a Spear, Roman Reigns was able to score the victory over Finn Balor.

Roman Reigns bt. Finn Balor

Standing tall in the ring, Roman Reigns looked dismissively down at Finn Balor on the canvas. Sunil Singh on the outside scrambled up the ramp, and was joined when he reached the top by Jinder Mahal.

Staring down at Roman Reigns, Jinder Mahal made it clear that he was ready for their match in 6 days time. Neither man willing to back down, the show ended with Jinder Mahal and Roman Reigns’ focus locked on each other.

The main focus on Smackdown Live this month has been with qualification to the Money In The Bank ladder match. One man who would not be in this match was Daniel Bryan, who continued to focus on Big Cass throughout the month, having lost out to Rusev. He also chased The Miz, and finally got the opportunity to face his long-term rival, albeit in Tag Team action.

During the match, The Miz ensured that there was no contact between himself and Bryan, until the very end of the match. Using a distraction from Big Cass to roll Bryan up, The Miz scored a victory over his heated rival. When Bryan wanted another chance to fight The Miz, the former Intercontinental Champion made it clear that he had no interest in continuing the rivalry. The Miz declared that after three long years, it was settled, and The Miz had proved himself to be the better of the two.

Later in the month, Daniel Bryan defeated Big Cass once again, before Sheamus & Cesaro provoked his attention. This came after Daniel Bryan turned down a place in a Battle Royal, made by Paige to replace the already qualified, but now injured, Randy Orton. This move allowed Cass to take the 10th position, but as Daniel Bryan watched on, it was Cesaro who secured a shot at the Briefcase. Appearing on Miz TV, the host of the show coaxed The Bar into mocking Daniel Bryan, with “The Celtic Warrior” referencing the 18 second victory he scored over Bryan several years ago at WrestleMania. Challenging Sheamus to put his money where his mouth is, Bryan’s proposal was supported by Paige, and the two went one on one. Scoring the victory with a Running Knee Strike, after a missed Brogue Kick by Sheamus, Daniel Bryan was able to defeat his opponent in less than 18 seconds!

Reiterating his desire to become the WWE Champion “the right way”, Daniel Bryan’s decision to decline a spot in the Money In The Bank has left him free to face Sheamus - in a rematch - at Sunday’s show.Another competitor who has made forward steps this month has been Samoa Joe, as he secured his place in the Money In The Bank by defeating Kofi Kingston. After the match, as the other members of The New Day checked on Kingston, the lights went out. This led to the debut of the group known as Sanity, led by Eric Young. Taking out The New Day, Sanity ensured that both Big E and Xavier Woods were unable to appear on the following week’s Smackdown Live. This allowed Eric Young to use the numbers game to his advantage, scoring a singles victory against Kofi in his Smackdown debut.

The group’s focus didn’t stay with just The New Day however, as they also targeted Jeff Hardy during the month. Commanding the ring, Eric Young declared that Sanity were here to bring chaos to Smackdown Live!Also making their debuts this month, Andrade “Cien” Almas and Zelina Vega did little endear themselves to the fans.

First refusing to compete while in London, the pair claimed that Andrade deserved a more blockbuster debut than Paige was offering. While they got away with this for two weeks, the Smackdown General Manager showed her strength, ensuring that Andrade would make his debut in a match with Sin Cara. This match would end in a surprising victory for Sin Cara, as Almas reacted badly to a Dropkick to the outside. Instead of fighting to return to the ring, Almas took the cowards way out, allowing the referee to count him out as he head to the back.

Andrade “Cien” Almas would be more successful in the following weeks, as he defeated two “local talents”. This after claiming he only wanted to mix it up with the show’s top stars.Speaking of top talent, the rivalry for the Women’s Money In The Bank match saw Asuka qualify for the match, as well as Becky Lynch, Billy Kay and Charlotte.

While Becky Lynch and Charlotte’s bond remained strong, The IIconics appeared to have issues, as Billie Kay left Peyton Royce between the three other women from Smackdown Live’s side of the Money In The Bank. Later, Billy justifed her actions as being for the good of “their” chances at winning the Briefcase. This appeared to appease Royce, who will undoubtedly have her best friend’s back at this Sunday’s show.Throughout all of this action, the show has of course been built around the continuation of AJ Styles’ rivalry with Shinsuke Nakamura.

Responding to his actions at Money In The Bank, AJ Styles apologised to the WWE Universe for his actions, admitting that he had stooped low. Offering Shinsuke Nakamura a handshake, AJ Styles was willing to let bygones be bygones. Styles also admitted that Nakamura deserved another chance at the WWE Championship, with the added gesture of offering Nakamura the opportunity to name the match type. Accepting the challenge for a match at Money In The Bank, Shinsuke would once again low blow AJ Styles, leaving him down on the mat. Nakamura would then inform AJ Styles that his chosen match type was a Last Man Standing!

AJ Styles would then be sidetracked slightly, as Tye Dillinger looked to verify claims from R-Truth that he was a former World Champion, who helped bring AJ Styles through. Putting it down to R-Truth being R-Truth, Tye would be surprised to hear that R-Truth did in fact work with AJ Styles early in his career, and was a World Heavyweight Champion. AJ Styles would then go one on one with R-Truth, with the WWE Champion scoring a clear victory. Shinsuke Nakamura would then face R-Truth, having been confronted by the veteran, brutally beating him down. When Tye Dillinger tried to come between them, the vicious Nakamura also made quick work of him. Eventually, AJ Styles made the save, running Shinsuke Nakamura out of the ring.

Before this, AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura had signed a contract, stating that if the challenger does not win the WWE Championship at Money In The Bank, he would not receive another shot as long as AJ Styles held the title.

Following the usual video package and introduction to the Pay-Per-View, the second ever Female Money In The Bank took place. Throughout the match, all of the competitors came close to victory, with Ember Moon in particularly pulling out the stops. Certainly on the Raw side, Ember was the star of the match. This was as a result of her first hitting a Moonsault to Becky Lynch, who was on a Ladder, as well as an impressive Eclipse which bounced Asuka’s jaw off the Ladder. Despite this, she would be taken out of the match, being hit with a Ladder to the Shoulder as she attempted a Suicide Dive to the outside.

The match also saw Billie Kay and Alexa Bliss essentially attempt the same strategy, only to be thwarted by Bayley and Charlotte Flair respectively. Thinking that their idea to avoid conflict as much as possible was foolproof, they soon realised just how much the match meant to the other competitors in the match. Bayley and Charlotte Flair then competed at the top of the Ladder, before their fellow NXT-alumni Becky Lynch pushed them from the Ladder. As the field thinned out, Becky Lynch looked to secure the Briefcase, but was stopped by Asuka. However, when Asuka returned to the outside, looking for another Ladder, The IIconics teamed up with Alexa Bliss, running into her with a Ladder. The three would then cover Asuka in Ladders on the outside, burying her underneath.

This allowed them to return to the ring, looking to climb the Ladder. Of course, the two were never going to agree on who should win the match, and this bickering - while half way up the Ladder proved costly. Returning to the ring, Becky Lynch pushed the Ladder over, once again sending her opponents flying out of the ring. Becky would then climb the Ladder unopposed, until Natalya came up behind them. Becky was able to kick Natalya back down to the mat, before successfully unhooking the Money In The Bank Briefcase.

Becky Lynch wins the 2018 Money In The Bank Briefcase

Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre vs. Titus Worldwide

Two very different approaches, this match saw Titus Worldwide look to “get serious” as soon as the bell rang. Largely remaining on the outside, Titus O’Neil served as a cheerleader to the impressive No Way Jose and Apollo Crews, who held their own in the match. While Corbin, Ziggler and McIntyre did probably have the better of the match, Apollo Crews was fired up during the match, and the team went from strength to strength when No Way Jose was brought in. As Crews took a dive to the outside, he was able to take out Drew McIntyre. No Way Jose was then able to hold his own with Baron Corbin. This resulted in Dolph Ziggler being left with Titus O’Neil in the ring. Fired up, having been mocked for his slip by Ziggler and Corbin, Titus O’Neil took the fight to Dolph Ziggler, and looked to be finding a new fire from somewhere. It was at this point, as O’Neil looked to close in on an unlikely victory, he ran against the ropes. When he did this, his leg was grabbed by Dana Brooke.

Titus O’Neil would react in shock, as Dana climbed onto the apron. Titus would ask her what she was doing, and Dana would try and throw a slap at him, only for Titus to block it. As a result of this, Titus O’Neil turned around, straight into a Superkick from Dolph Ziggler. This allowed Ziggler to pin Titus, scoring the victory.

Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre bt. Titus Worldwide

After the match, Dana Brooke would join Dolph Ziggler in the ring, before Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin also entered. Looking just as surprised as the members of Titus Worldwide, Dolph Ziggler had his arm raised by Dana Brooke, who then left up the ramp.

Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus

Coming into the match, a video package recapped the history between the two men. Particular focus was on the 18 second victory of Sheamus over Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania, with the parallel between Daniel Bryan’s even shorter victory over Sheamus on Smackdown last week. Unlike those matches, this contest was evenly fought and an extremely competitive match. Physical, as these two competitors always are, the match came to an end in decisive fashion. Locking in a “YES Lock!”, Daniel Bryan forced the submission from Sheamus.

Daniel Bryan bt. Sheamus

Following that match, a video package played which showed highlights of Ronda Rousey’s run as a member of the Raw roster. Featuring the WrestleMania moment where she made Stephanie McMahon tap out, the package also recapped her developing rivalry with Alexa Bliss and Mickie James. When the video package finished “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey made her way to the ring. After taking a microphone, Ronda Rousey would talk about her rivalry with Mickie James and Alexa Bliss, before calling the former out to the ring.

Stalling for time as long as she possibly could, Mickie James would eventually get in the ring with Ronda Rousey, before once again leaving. The segment was built around Ronda Rousey looking to finally get her hands on Mickie James in a one on one scenario, and despite the best attempts of the former WWE Women’s Champion, Ronda was eventually able to get Mickie exactly where she wanted her. Having started the physical interaction with a slap to Ronda, Mickie James grew in confidence, only to quickly find herself in the former UFC Champion’s grasp. Taking complete control of the arm, Ronda Rousey was able to pull back on the Armbar just as she had to Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania, leaving Mickie James in pain in the ring. As Ronda Rousey stood tall, medical personnel came down to the ring and attended to Mickie James.

Intercontinental Championship MatchSeth Rollins (c) vs. Elias

Prior to the match, an interview with Elias revealed that there would be no performance from him tonight. This put over the importance of the opportunity to Elias, who appeared focussed ahead of the Intercontinental Championship match. Going into the match, it was clear that Elias was up against it, with Seth Rollins put over as one of the best in the world, who has much more in-ring experience than the rising Elias. Given a fairly decent amount of time, the match served as a showcase of Elias, putting him over as almost there - but not quite. After a number of near falls, the finishing sequence to the match saw Seth Rollins take control, setting up for the Curb Stomp. Of course, this spelled the end of the contest.

Seth Rollins bt. Elias

Sanity vs. The New Day

Going into the match, Sanity’s quest for “Chaos” on Smackdown Live was recapped, showing their complete dominance over The New Day in recent weeks. As such, much of the contest was competed in a manic manner, with the trios breaking into three pairs (Big E. & Killian, EY & Kofi and Wolfe & Xavier Woods). It was when these individual battles couldn’t be kept under control that the match broke down. Fighting all around the ringside, and then back into the ring, the competitors not currently legal made the referee’s job very difficult. Things went from bad to worse when Big E. and Killian Dain brawled out of the ring. Beginning a countout, the referee was completely ignored by the competitors, leaving him no choice but to call for the bell once he reached 10. After the match, the brawl continued until the two teams were led to the back.

No Contest

Jinder Mahal vs. Roman Reigns

Despite a long pre-match hype job, the contest itself didn’t last very long. Bemoaning the decision to bar Sunil Singh from ringside, Jinder Mahal clearly wasn’t ready for what Roman Reigns had in store. While he had been built as a legitimate threat in the weeks leading to the contest, Jinder Mahal was no match for Reigns when it got underway. Perhaps anticipating a less than warm reaction from the crowd, the match was a one-sided in and out job, with Jinder Mahal’s attempts at stalling leading to Reigns taking the fight to him on the outside.

Bringing Mahal back into the ring, Roman Reigns surprised everybody by winning the match in under 5 minutes. Cycling through his signature moves quickly, Roman Reigns hit Jinder Mahal with a Spear - scoring a satisfyingly short victory.

Roman Reigns bt. Jinder Mahal

Ahead of the Main Event of the evening, the second Money In The Bank ladder match, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens were seen together in the Locker Room.

Asking his “best friend” if he has his back tonight, Sami Zayn will be left confused by Kevin Owens’ response. Distant, since Sami Zayn went back on a promise to hand over his place in the match to him, Kevin Owens had little to say, telling Sami “you know what, buddy… I think you got this”. Kevin Owens would then stand up and exit the Locker Room, leaving Sami Zayn confused as to where they stand in their mission to become the WWE Universal Champion.

The fourth meeting between the two competitors in the match, the commentators put over the fact that Shinsuke Nakamura’s hand-picked “Last Man Standing” match signified his final shot at becoming the WWE Champion. At least as long as AJ Styles holds the title. Again competing in a match where anything goes, the two men left everything in the ring, putting on what was arguably the best of their matches against each other in the WWE so far. Not confined to the ring, the two men went all around the ringside area, looking for the decisive blow that would keep the other man down for the 10 count. This time, AJ Styles avoided the Low-Blow, and also managed to block any attempt from Shinsuke Nakamura to use the move that kept them both down at last month’s Backlash Pay-Per-View.

Getting creative, AJ Styles looked to hit a Phenomenal Forearm from a raised platform to Shinsuke Nakamura, but the challenger got out of the way. The commentators put over the lengths that the two men were going to, attributing it equally to their desire to be WWE Champion and the need to take out their aggression on one another. It was during one of the more heated moments of the match that the finish came, as AJ Styles seemed to have Shinsuke Nakamura where he wanted him. Styles set up to hit a shocking Styles Clash to Shinsuke Nakamura, which would have sent both men to the floor below, through a Table. Nakamura managed to escape, scrambling away after a Low-Blow. Desperate to stay up, AJ Styles crawled after Shinsuke Nakamura, whose only intention was to get away from AJ Styles at that moment. In order to do this, Shinsuke Nakamura unbalanced a large production box from the surrounding area. This heavy container dropped on the WWE Champion, crushing him beneath it.

As the box fell on AJ Styles, it’s contents spilled out on the floor. Revealing a bunch of cables, Shinsuke Nakamura was given an idea. Already taken a lot out of AJ Styles with the container, Shinsuke Nakamura finished the job by tying cables around the legs of the WWE Champion. While Styles began to move before the 10 count was complete, he was unable to free himself from the cables, rendering him unable to return to his feet.

Shinsuke Nakamura bt. AJ Styles to become the new WWE Champion

Having won his last chance match, Shinsuke Nakamura celebrated with the WWE Championship at the top of the ramp. Becoming the Champion for the first time, ending the 253 day long reign of AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura had finally defeated AJ Styles and held the title high in the air.

Money In The Bank Ladder Match

Billed as the most physical Money In The Bank match of all time, the early goings of the match were dominated by Bobby Lashley, Braun Strowman, Rusev and Samoa Joe. Using the Ladders as weapons instead of climbing implements, it appeared that the idea was to take as many men out as possible, before taking an open road to the Briefcase. Of course, in a match of this size, that technique proved impossible. As a result, the smaller competitors grew into the match, and there were some impressive sequences featuring Cesaro, Finn Balor, Sami Zayn and Samoa Joe. Cesaro and Bobby Lashley also impressed, hitting stereo delayed Suplexes to Sami Zayn and Finn Balor respectively.

These one upmanship games continued throughout the match, with Braun Strowman eventually topping them all by first recovering from a series of Ladder shots from his opponents, then by throwing competitors and Ladders around the ring as if they weighed nothing it all. However, an effort by his opponents to take him out of the match was eventually successful, and the following minutes were quiet ones for Braun Strowman. It was during this time that the field thinned out, with Sami Zayn coming close, only to be thwarted by Bobby Lashley. Sami Zayn had called for Kevin Owens’ assistance as he looked on the brink of winning the Briefcase, but his so-called “Best Friend” was nowhere to be seen. This allowed Lashley to send Sami Zayn crashing, but in doing so he also hurt his own chances of victory.

Now, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe battled it out, calling back to their Ladder match at a previous NXT TakeOver. In a repeat of that match, Finn Balor was able to hit Samoa Joe with a Coupe De Grace from the Ladder, onto another one which had been suspended from the ropes. Finn Balor was now in the clear, as he began to climb to reach the Briefcase. His chance to finally get his rematch at the Universal Championship, Finn Balor’s fingertips touched the Briefcase, at the very moment he was pushed off the Ladder by The Miz.

With a clear path, The Miz took his time, setting himself on the top rung. Confident that he had secured victory, The Miz must have been the only person unaware of the reemergence of Braun Strowman. Pulling himself from out of the rubble, “The Monster Amongst Men” made his way to the ring, with his eyes remaining on The Miz throughout. Entering the ring, Braun Strowman climbed up the Ladder, with The Miz only realising that he was no longer alone when it was too late. Grabbing The Miz from behind, Braun Strowman put a Vice Grip on his head. With The Miz trying to escape, his leg began to dangle. Braun Strowman would then throw The Miz down to the ring, leaving him alone atop the Ladder. Unhooking the Briefcase, the dominant Braun Strowman became the 2018 Money In The Bank winner.

Braun Strowman wins the 2018 Money In The Bank

Raising the Briefcase high above his head, with two hands, Braun Strowman held a “golden ticket to the WWE Universal Championship” in his giant grip. Having dominated parts of the match, the commentators put over Braun as “the most dangerous Mr. Money In The Bank” of all time. It was also suggested that there has never been more of a sure thing than Braun Strowman successfully cashing in, with Michael Cole laughing in disbelief at what “The Monster Amongst Men” may now be capable of.

Focus then switched to the current WWE Universal Champion, with the commentators wondering when Brock Lesnar would next appear in the WWE, and how he will look to go about avoiding Braun Strowman. It was agreed that wherever or whenever he cashed in, and whoever he cashed in on, Braun Strowman is the biggest threat there has ever been to a Champion in this unenviable position.

Straight out of the opening credits, Braun Strowman made his entrance. Holding his Money In The Bank briefcase, Strowman made his way to the ring.

Talking about last night’s Money In The Bank, Braun Strowman said that he is holding the most powerful object he has ever had in his hand. He then said that from grappling hooks to production trucks, there has never been anything more dangerous in his hands than the Money In The Bank Briefcase. Strowman then spoke to the “Champ”, telling him that he isn’t good at sneaking up on people, adding that when he cashes in his Money In The Bank, the Champion is going to know about it. With everybody running scared, Strowman said that he isn’t surprised that nobody has yet interrupted him, because nobody wants to “Get These Hands!” Taking this as an invitation, Seth Rollins made his way to the ring.

Seth Rollins agreed that a lot of guys in the back were afraid of Strowman, but he’s not one of them. He added that Strowman is talking about nobody wanting these hands, but finds it interesting that Strowman is yet to answer one of Rollins’ Intercontinental Championship Open Challenges. Impressed by the guts that Seth Rollins showed in confronting him, it is clear that there is a respect between the two men in the ring, with the commentators calling them the two of the hottest properties in WWE today. While they agreed to a match there and then, Kurt Angle brought a halt to that idea, informing Braun Strowman that he was already in action on the night’s show. He did however tell Seth Rollins that the floor was open, leading to another Open Challenge from the Intercontinental Champion.

Answered by Baron Corbin, Seth Rollins was able to retain his Championship, in a hard fought defence against “The Lone Wolf”. Sasha Banks then stated her intention is a backstage interview to call out Bayley later tonight. Having agreed to put their rivalry to bed recently, and go their separate ways, Sasha Banks requested just one final meeting with Bayley, wanting to put a line under all the ill feelings that have developed between them. After Bayley agreed to meet with Sasha, it was hyped throughout the night. Marked as the end of an up and down relationship, a video package recapped the entire story of the two women, beginning with their days in NXT all the way up to the present day.Next up, it was time for reaction from Money In The Bank, where Dana Brooke seemingly turned her back on Titus Worldwide. Accompanied by Titus O’Neil, Apollo & No Way Jose were defeated by Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre, but it was the events following the match which were most telling. With No Way Jose down in the ring, as Dolph & Drew stood tall, Dana Brooke made her entrance, approaching Apollo Crews.

Announcing her resignation from Titus Worldwide, Dana Brooke revealed that she was starting her own “talent agency”, urging Apollo Crews to jump ship and join her. Crews was disgusted, making it clear he wasn’t interested. Far more interested by Dana’s proposal was Dolph Ziggler, who offered to take her to the back and “talk business”.Another huge talking point out of Money In The Bank was Roman Reigns’ dominant victory over Jinder Mahal. Preparing to go and address the WWE Universe, Roman Reigns was confronted by Finn Balor.

Roman Reigns would further annoy Finn Balor, “big leaguing” him and telling him that he had a job to do, and didn’t have time for Finn’s complaining.

When he was in the ring, Roman Reigns made his message loud and clear, he hears that Paul Heyman will be at Raw next week, and he wants him to tell Brock Lesnar that he coming for his shot at the Universal Championship. This brought out Finn Balor, who appeared to speak for the WWE Universe in opposing Roman Reigns receiving another shot at the WWE Universal Championship. Responding to Balor asking why he deserves the shot, Reigns said that he beat Brock Lesnar in Saudi Arabia, and he will do it again. Finn Balor found Roman Reigns believing he deserved another shot absurd, especially when Finn Balor - who never lost the Universal title - was never given the opportunity to regain the Championship.

Roman Reigns quickly turned this on Balor, telling him that his issue is simple - he’s been coasting for too long. Reigns added that a fake smile and a six pack will only take you so far in the WWE. This fired Finn Balor up, but Roman Reigns had an answer for everything that was thrown at him. Telling Finn Balor that the WWE is a “shark tank”, Reigns said that if Finn Balor is staying still, he’s getting left behind. With Balor looking to respond again, Reigns cut him off, saying that he’s said what he came out here to say, and he isn’t interested in Finn Balor, because he has bigger fish to fry!Over on the Women’s side of the roster, The Riott Squad looked to make an impact, following their lack of appearance at the Money In The Bank show. A defeat to Natalya tipped Ruby Riott over the edge, and the group once again showed their power in numbers. Tired of this, Ember Moon and Nia Jax came out to make the save for Natalya.

Standing against The Riott Squad, Nia Jax asked the group what it would take for their campaign against their fellow Superstars to end, and was given a simple answer. Ruby Riott agreed that the attacks would stop, if Nia Jax gave her a shot at the Raw Women’s Championship. The reaction to Money In The Bank came throughout the show, with Sami Zayn the next to address the events of the previous evening. At the show, Sami Zayn was left to fight on his own, despite a pact that he has made with Kevin Owens. Calling his “best friend” out, Sami Zayn wanted to know where the two men currently stand.

Sami Zayn’s asked Kevin Owens about his no show in the Main Event of Money In The Bank, saying that thought that no matter what happen, their focus was on winning that Briefcase. Zayn will admit that what he did a few weeks ago wasn’t above board, but if they had followed out the plan last night, they would be stood out here with the Money In The Bank Briefcase. They would have been just one step away from holding the WWE Universal Championship. Because of this, Sami Zayn is questioning their friendship. He asked Kevin Owens straight up if they’re still about doing this together?

Kevin Owens defended his actions last night, saying that Sami Zayn made this an issue when he made this about himself. Owens said that Zayn lost sight of their shared goal and now they’re suffering for it. Kevin Owens added that he didn’t know if he could trust anybody anymore. Zayn didn’t like this implications, suggesting that if Kevin Owens is serious about this, then he just needed to say the word. Owens told Zayn that he had been Universal Champion before, and he didn’t need Sami then. This was enough for Zayn, who told Owens that was fine, vowing that whether they do this together… or alone, he was going to become the WWE Universal Champion.

Having approached Kurt Angle earlier in the night, asking to know the identity of his opponent, Braun Strowman was introduced to Bobby Roode. Roode told Strowman that he was desperate to prove himself on Raw, and was targetimg the biggest threat on Monday Night Raw. During the match, Bobby Roode impressed against Braun Strowman, taking the fight to “The Monster Amongst Men”. Eventually, Braun Strowman overpowered Bobby Roode, with “The Glorious One” coming up short yet again.

Braun Strowman bt. Bobby Roode

Following the match, Braun Strowman held the Briefcase high in the air, while the commentators promoted the appearance of Paul Heyman on next week’s show.

Opening up the final hour of Raw, Alexa Bliss and Mickie James came to the ring. Earlier in the night, footage was shown from Money In The Bank, where Ronda Rousey got her hands on Mickie James, one on one. The result was Mickie James being locked in the Armbar, requiring medical assistance following the altercation.

When Mickie James appeared, her arm was in a sling and she looked in severe pain. Alexa Bliss then began to bemoan Ronda’s behaviour, calling her “dangerous” and “unsporting”, in reference to her injuring Mickie James at Money In The Bank. This time, when Ronda Rousey came out to confront the duo, Alexa Bliss hightailed it, leaving Mickie James alone once again. This contradicted her apparent concern for Mickie’s wellbeing.

Struggling to leave the ring, Mickie James was left alone, but Ronda had no interest in retreading old ground. Instead, she sent a clear message to Alexa Bliss - telling the former Women’s Champion - you’re next!With a clash of philosophies in the Tag Team Division, the lighthearted Breezango and The Ascension were fairly easily defeated by The Revival and The Authors of Pain. After the match, The Revival tried to make the teams pact official, but A.O.P were not interested.Returning from the break, Elias’ performance was cut off by Chad Gable. Gable said that he wanted a match with Elias, but “The Drifter” had other ideas. Claiming that the people were here to listen to Elias, and not to watch them to have a match, he left the ring after being unsatisfied by the crowd’s reaction.

Having seemingly had a change of heart, following his sub-5 minute defeat to Roman Reigns last night, Jinder Mahal asked for a chance to prove himself on Raw, and was given a match against Lashley. Desperate for change, Mahal told Angle, and later Lashley, that there would be no Sunil Singh, and there would be no cheap tactics. Of course, one knows not to believe a word that Jinder Mahal says, and when Bobby Lashley took control, Sunil Singh was not far off.

Having blamed Singh for his defeat, it quickly became apparent that Jinder Mahal hadn’t meant a single thing he had said about watching to make a change. Despite this, Singh involvement was quickly negated, and Bobby Lashley came out of the match victorious.

Bobby Lashley bt. Jinder Mahal

The final part of Raw was dedicated to the “Last Chapter” of the Bayley and Sasha Banks story, and footage was once again shown of their history. From bitter enemies in NXT, to respectful rivals, the two women first learned to respect each other, before becoming best friends. Making their way to the ring, the two women took a trip down memory lane.

Sasha Banks led the segment, telling Bayley that while the last few months have been messy, she wants to remember their relationship fondly. In that spirit, Banks apologised for her behaviour, asking that Bayley do the same. Bayley wasn’t so sure, feeling that she had done anything wrong. Banks moved past this, saying that whoever was to blame, they both agree that they need space from each other. Maybe they can pick this up in the future, but for now, they need to go on their separate paths.

Bayley agreed, pointing out that it feels like both of their careers have been put on hold for the past 6 months, and they need to draw a line under it. From this moment forth, Bayley and Sasha Banks agree that instead of being known as the “bickering best frenemies”, they need to be known as what they are, two of the best Superstars in the entire WWE. Bayley then offered Sasha a handshake, with Banks instead going for a hug. Raising Sasha arm in the air, Bayley looked set to move on, telling Banks “I’m so happy to put behind me”. Sasha smiled, but seemed unsure.

As Bayley went to leave the ring, Banks asked her to hold on. Sasha Banks said that she knows that they need to keep their separate careers, but asked “we’re still friends, right?” Bayley smiled and nodded, and Sasha added “and you still trust me…” Caught off guard by the needy line of inquiry, Bayley didn’t answer. Sasha followed this up, saying “because if you don’t trust me… then we aren’t friends.” Bayley tried to explain herself, saying that after what has gone on between them, she just needs some time.

Looking disappointed, after she had tried to mend the bridges, Banks tried to guilt trip Bayley, putting her head down and exiting the ring. However, as Bayley turned her back, Sasha Banks returned to the ring, hitting her from behind. Put over as a significant moment between the two women, the commentators presented this as the “point of no return”, as Sasha Banks laid hands into Bayley, her demeanor changing completely. Pulling on the hair of her former friend, Sasha Banks began to slap Bayley. A distressed Bayley merely looked to try and get away from the vicious Sasha, who appeared to have snapped. Dragging Bayley back into the middle of the ring by her hair, Sasha Banks slapped Bayley, telling her “you just made the biggest mistake of your life”.

Seemingly just as emotionally hurt as she was physically, Bayley simply didn’t have the strength to fight back. Eventually, Sasha Banks locked a Banks Statement on Bayley, looking to send her to sleep. Refusing to release the hold, which included more hair pulling, referees flooded the ring to get between the two women. Rolling Bayley out of the ring, and to safety, medical professionals checked on her, as Sasha Banks stood tall in the ring. Closing out Raw, Sasha Banks presented a handful of Bayley’s hair that was in her hand, dropping it onto the mat. Putting over the brutal attack, Corey Graves said that Sasha Banks had finally showed her “true colours”, suggesting that the Raw roster better be on notice, as a sleeping giant has just been awoken.

Opening the show for the live crowd, Sasha Banks came to the ring to address what happened last week. Prior to her entrance, a video package had shown her brutal attack on Bayley.

While Sasha Banks protested that she didn’t owe anyone an explanation, she did go to great lengths to justify herself. Starting off, she showed what she felt was the important footage from last week, where Bayley told Sasha that she didn’t trust her. Banks would say that she did everything she could to move on, but Bayley disrespected her. Now Sasha says that she is supposed to come out here and apologise for what she did, and for the nature of the attack. Banks will tell whoever made that call that they can to go to hell, because she isn’t going to say sorry for being who she is. Continuing, Banks put over the fact that she has been forced to spend the last two years being somebody else, saying that she is tired of pretending to be somebody she isn’t. Insistent that she will not be painted as the bad guy, Sasha Banks made it clear that Bayley ended their friendship, all she did was ensure it ended on her terms. Pointing out that Bayley isn’t here tonight, Sasha Banks said that she knows Bayley is going to play the victim in this situation. She will therefore ask the WWE Universe to keep one thing in mind, listing the fact that she was the one who reached out to Bayley, she is the one who said sorry last week, and she is the one who hugged Bayley in the middle of this ring. What that means to Sasha Banks is simple, as she says that everybody here has to agree, Bayley can only blame Bayley for what happened last week.

That wasn’t all for Sasha Banks, as when the show returned from the commercial break, viewers were informed that Natalya had taken issue with last week’s attack, requesting a match against her. Kurt Angle made the match, where a focussed and brutal Sasha Banks was able to make Natalya submit with a Banks Statement. After the match, Banks refused to release the hold, until she was forced to by officials.Following on from last week, Elias and Chad Gable’s issues continued throughout the night, stemming from Chad once again interrupting a performance. When Elias claimed that he wouldn’t compete until he was allowed to complete his performance, Kurt Angle vowed to cut Elias’ microphone every time he goes to speak if he didn’t take part in the match.

However, later in the night, as the match was postponed, Chad Gable was attacked in the back. Unable to compete, with Elias considered the most likely culprit, Chad Gable was replaced by a returning Superstar. Throughout the night, Raw talent such as Kurt Angle, Corey Graves and Mojo Rawley were informed (via text) of a “huge star returning to Raw”, with particular emphasis on the fact that the show was in San Diego. Popping up at Kurt’s hour of need, the star was not who many expected.

Revealing that he had been sending the messages, it turned out that Kurt Angle’s son Jason Jordan was the returning Raw Superstar. Looking out for his friend, and offering to get his father out of a jam, Jason Jordan stepped forward to face Elias. Smiling at his father, Jordan would tell Kurt “just like you taught me… always bring your gear!” With little other choice, Jason Jordan was placed in the match, which took place towards the end of the show.

The final match of the evening, Jason Jordan enjoyed a triumphant return to Monday Night Raw. Having been told he couldn’t perform before the match, Elias was in an awful mood, compounded by the smile that is permanently etched on Jordan’s face. Overly happy to be back, Jason looked to recapture the reactions which had followed him since he was revealed as Kurt Angle’s son. Scoring a lucky roll up, Jason Jordan celebrated as if he had just won the Main Event of WrestleMania.

Jason Jordan bt. Elias

Long before that match, Sami Zayn was also in action, having earlier stated his intention to become the next WWE Universal Champion. Tonight however, he turned his attention to the Intercontinental Championship, accepting Seth Rollins’ open challenge.

Intercontinental Championship Match

Competing in an extremely long, competitive match, Sami Zayn was unable to defeat Seth Rollins. During the match, Kevin Owens had joined the commentary.

Throughout, Kevin Owens was respectful about Sami Zayn, but made it clear that he feels he is making a mistake. Owens hoped that their friendship would survive their current issues, saying that he doesn’t want this turning out like Bayley and Sasha Banks. Behaving out of character, Kevin Owens’ usual abrasiveness was not on show, and he sounded clearly disappointed as Sami was hit with the decisive Curb Stomp.

Seth Rollins (c) bt. Sami Zayn

Returning to Raw, the commentators sent back to an incident that took place “During The Break”. Furious about his loss, and feeling like Kevin Owens’ presence was unnecessary, a banged up Sami Zayn approached the commentary table. Shouting at Owens for seemingly no reason, Sami Zayn told Owens “I am going to do this… I am going to become the WWE Universal Champion!”

The second hour of the show saw Ember Moon and Nia Jax team up, taking on the team of Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan. With Ember & Nia in control, Ruby Riott decided action needed to be taken. Not interested in victory, Ruby Riott pulled Nia Jax off the apron, while Liv Morgan joined Sarah Logan in the ring. This resulted in a DQ.

As the attack continued, with Ember now up against all three members of The Riott Squad, Nia Jax returned to the ring, clearing it of Morgan, Logan and then Ruby.

Tired of The Riott Squad’s continued attacks, Nia Jax told Ruby that “you’ve got it!”, accepting her challenge to a match for the Women’s Championship.Mojo Rawley was defeated by No Way Jose, as Titus Worldwide presented a united front. Later on, Drew McIntyre defeated Rhyno, after Dolph & Drew questioned what had happened to the once ruthless, destructive Rhyno. After the match, Dolph Ziggler joined Drew McIntyre in the ring, with Dana Brooke watching on from ringside, smiling at Dolph Ziggler.The Raw Tag Team Champions were also in action, with The Revival taking them on in a non-title match. Looking to build on a successful few weeks, The Revival were disappointingly defeated by Hardy & Wyatt. Following the match, The Authors of Pain picked their spot, finally getting their hands on The Deleters of Worlds. Leaving the Raw Tag Team Champions down in the ring, Akam & Rezar appeared to be back on the right track in their quest to take the titles.Over all the events which had preceded, the key thread throughout the entire episode of Raw revolved around an appearance from Paul Heyman.

In demand from Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns, both of whom have an interest in the Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle had to remind the pair that Paul Heyman was there for a meeting with the Raw General Manager, and nothing else.

Once he arrived at the building, Paul Heyman went straight into Angle’s Office. It was just several minutes into this “crunch meeting” that Paul Heyman left the office, with a smile on his face. Promoting an announcement regarding the Universal Championship at the end of the show, the commentators wondered what conclusions the pair could have possibly come to, having been in the much anticipated discussions for such a short time.

Unwilling to wait until the end of the show, Roman Reigns made his way to the ring, calling out Paul Heyman. Roman didn’t want to speak about the announcement, instead telling Paul to cut the crap and give him what he’s owed. This brought out Finn Balor, who once again took issue to Roman Reigns’ sense of entitlement.

Finn Balor - who was repeated shot down by Roman Reigns last week - this time was able to get his points out. Balor told Reigns that he is “owed” nothing in the WWE, but said that he was unsurprised that Roman didn’t know that. He went on to claim that his journey to the WWE is what made him the man he is today, arguing that Roman Reigns having his roads paved with gold is the reason why he lacks the humility and depth to accept that the whole Universe doesn’t revolve around him. Finn said that if there is to be an announcement of a Universal Championship match next week, then he isn’t about to let Roman Reigns past him. Roman Reigns replied by telling Finn that he won’t have to step past him, because he can just as easily go through him. Reigns then added “you might have abs of steel… but that’s nothing if there’s no guts behind them”. At this point, as the pair squared up to fight, Paul Heyman appeared on the large screen.

Paul Heyman told the two men that what they say now will have no effect on his announcement at the end of the evening, but they’re welcome to bicker with each other. He did hope that they wouldn’t beat each other too badly, because he was sure that they’d both want to hear what he has to say at the end of the night. Agreeing with this, Roman Reigns left the ring, leaving Finn Balor behind him.

When it came to the Main Event segment of the night, Paul Heyman’s entrance was followed by Roman Reigns, who stopped at the top of the ramp. Not wanting to be outdone, Finn Balor joined him, and the two stared each other down. Paul Heyman was frustrated by the interferences, and as he went to begin his announcement, a third Raw Superstar made their way out from the back. This time, he didn’t stop at the top of the ramp, as Braun Strowman instead barged past the bickering Balor and Reigns, heading straight to the ring to confront Paul Heyman.

Delaying the announcement once more, Braun Strowman said that the one person Brock Lesnar’s camp should be focussed on was him. Strowman said that whatever the announcement is, he first wanted to send a message through Paul to Brock. Braun Strowman reiterated his points from last week, saying that there has never been a bigger threat to a Champion than him holding the Money In The Bank. He added that he knows that the Universal Champion isn’t used to running scared, but he’d better get used to it.

Moving on, Paul Heyman finally began his announcement, but first made note of it being his first opportunity to congratulate Brock Lesnar on becoming the longest reigning Heavyweight Champion of the “Modern Era”. Announcing that Brock wants to celebrate that in style, Heyman said that he would do just that, in three weeks, at Extreme Rules. Paul Heyman would then go through the various merits of the three men who have staked their interest, as well as mentioning the likes of Sami Zayn and Bobby Lashley. However, Paul Heyman felt that after a short discussion, and with a number of easily manageable provisions, the right choice for Brock Lesnar’s next challenger would be the man who never lost the title. Stepping forward, Finn Balor would make his way down the ramp. Looking back towards Reigns, before brushing past Braun Strowman in the ring, Finn Balor extended his hand to Paul Heyman. With the two men shaking hands, it was official - at Extreme Rules - Brock Lesnar will defend the WWE Universal Championship against Finn Balor!